Not far from Wolverhampton Road, a cosy ceramic studio has become a thriving community-centred space for local people wanting to get creative.

Founded by ceramic enthusiasts, Libby and Pip, Stafford Clay Studio offers pottery classes for those of all abilities, from two hour throwing taster sessions to eight week pottery courses.

The duo set up the business with the hope of building a space for people to connect with their own creativity while making new friends.

Pip said: "We've aimed to try and make it a bit of a community so you walk in and you feel at home.

"You can get a brew whenever you want.

"The longer that we are going the more students are crossing over on courses and they can remember each from different courses and start to swap numbers.

"It is becoming this lovely little community that we dreamt of."

Previously the premises of Phillip Francis Hairdressing, the studio is beautifully decorated with the work of previous students to inspire current learners.

Stafford Clay Studio aims to continue the legacy of the area's ceramic industry which is something Libby feels Stafford should take "pride" in.

She added: "We're right on the doorstep of The Potteries and a lot of people, if they didn't work in The Potteries, their grandparents did.

"We really felt as a community it's really something to celebrate.

"It's fantastic, it's something to be really proud of in this part of the world."

Classes are open to people of all ages and experience with some students being in their 80s and some as young as 20.

Libby said: "It's a nice thing that families can do together.

"The thing with pottery is that it doesn't really respect the energy that you have to have to earn the money to come here.

"You've got to have this energy to manage your life and your family and pay your rent and have enough money to do stuff but when you come here and you work with the clay you build a relationship with that material and it has no respect for all of that.

"You have to let it go and you have to use a different energy."

Pip added: "We're finding that the more the students talk to us about their enjoyment being here, it's good for their mind."

Libby continued: "I think that's really healthy for people.

"We've seen such a lot of people who just really manage their mental health better when they're doing ceramics."

Click here to find out more about Stafford Clay Studio.